Mike Phillps warms up for tomorrow's clash against Scotland at today's captain's run

8 Mar 2013, 03:31 pm

By Alex Bywater

Phillips: Wales are bouncing

Mike Phillips says Wales are in a good place ahead of their RBS 6 Nations clash with Scotland tomorrow.

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The two teams go into the game at Murrayfield with identical records so far in this campaign with a defeat on the opening day followed by two victories.

After their loss to Ireland, Wales have impressed in wins away to France and Italy and need another success on their travels to retain any hope of staying in the Championship hunt.

But Phillips says the entire Welsh camp is confident ahead of tomorrow's game.

"Everybody seems to be bouncing around in training," said the Bayonne man.

"There's a spark about the camp now and hopefully we can keep these winning ways going.

"It's vital we got the two wins and momentum seems to be here now."

Phillips, who has been at his spiky best in the wins over France and Italy, starts in an unchanged backline from the win in Rome.

All three changes come in the pack with Rob Howley adding Sam Warburton, Alun Wyn Jones and Paul James to his forward options.

Ryan Jones retains the captaincy against a Scotland side who have impressed in the championship so far. With former Wales man Scott Johnson leading them, the game won't lack for spice and Phillips knows just how dangerous Scotland can be.

"The Scots are a team who have improved over the past couple of years," the Wales scrum half added.

"They've had some big victories, especially down in Australia in the summer. They're not going to be pushovers."

If Scotland had struggled with their attacking game in previous seasons, the same cannot be said of this campaign. The likes of Sean Maitland, Tim Visser and especially Stuart Hogg have all impressed with ball in hand, staking their claim for the Lions in the process.

Phillips said: "They had a great defensive effort in the last but they've certainly created over the last few games and they look dangerous.

"Some of the team have been outstanding, Hogg in particular. They've definitely looked sharp."

You can follow every minute of this week's action between Scotland and Wales at www.wru.co.uk/live just prior to kick-off.